A writer, historian, and geek through and through. I focus on fantasy, science fiction and whatever comes my way.
I am writing and drawing a webcomic called Booger Balls Inc, and I'm working on two graphic novels as well.

Comics

0

Review of:

Price:

Exciting

Reviewed by: Seth Frederiksen

Rating:

4

On March 19, 2016

Last modified:April 22, 2016

Summary:

A little confusing at first, the issue does offer interesting insight into the potential consequences of the Project Kobik debacle.

Summary:

MORE NEWS FROM THE WEB

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. become a part of the Pleasant Hill debacle with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Standoff. ComiConverse Contributor Seth Frederiksen is here to assess.

Synopsis:

Mockingbird and Agent Leo Fitz are falling from a plane, with Agent Fitz’s parachute failing to deploy properly. Mockingbird swiftly arrives to guide Fitz’s into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s aircraft where they are met by Agent Melinda May.

Agent Phil Coulson, meanwhile, confronts his telepathic ex-girlfriend, Lola Daniels, who is discussing Project Kobik with her contact. Shooting the contact and turning his attention to Lola, Coulson is informed of the existence of Kobik.

After arresting Lola and assembling the team Coulson splits the team, one to handle the illegal weapons auction they were investigating before, the other to figure out what is happening with Project Kobik. Coulson has the Kobik Team go after Rick Jones, who was outed as the Whisper in Avengers Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill.

Coulson stresses that the project has the potential to tear S.H.I.E.L.D. apart, and that time is of the essence with this matter. Agents Deathlocke, Quake, and Jemma Simmons head out to capture Rick Jones.

During their pursuit, they find Rick Jones to be a more formidable opponent than first thought. He takes out both Deathlocke and Quake before being shot by Agent Simmons. Once taken to the Battlecarrier Pericles, Jones tells the agents they made a grave error taking him there as it only aids in others finding him. When discussing on who will come for him, the New Avengers burst through the walls of the battlecarrier.

Mockingbird and Agent May, still infiltrating the auction, find a surprise guest: the original Wolverine.

Synopsis:

If you haven’t been reading the previous issues of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. up until this point, you will be a tad confused about the illegal weapons storyline. It is not impossible to catch up within the issue, but if you are picking this up for the Standoff event alone then this can be a bit disorganizing to the reader.

Credit: Marvel Comics

Though not dealing with the attack occurring in Pleasant Hill, the story here does touch point on one of the major repercussions from this event, the altered status of S.H.I.E.L.D. as an organization. Obviously not many in S.H.I.E.L.D. are aware of what is going on at Hill’s facility, and even Coulson has issues with the program.

As much as the storyline is a major melee between heroes and villains, there is a lot at stake. Furthermore, having members within the agency opposed to the prison illuminates the ethical problems with the direction Hill has taken the agency. Not everyone is going to be on Hill’s side by the end, and the fallout of this whole state of affairs will be interesting.

Even Coulson saying this could be the end of S.H.I.E.L.D. carries a lot of weight. With an event of this magnitude, added with Hill taking actions that are within the M.O. of some super villains, I doubt she’s going to leave this situation without answering a few questions.

I like how this is not a typical superhero melee between the good guys and the bad guys. There is an underlying issue of where public safety ends and government tyranny begins. There is no easy answer to this question. This is a grey and messy issue and one that resonates with today’s society. Which is why I’m enjoying the storyline so far. It has complexities that enlightens the reader’s mind apart from the typical fisticuffs.

Caption: Marvel Comics

Quickly, I will offer my two cents on the appearance of Marvel’s mutant bad-boy, Wolverine. I think he’s a fake. I am not saying that resurrections have not been done as a surprise within the Marvel Universe before, but something in my gut tells me that this is not the real deal. I could very well be wrong, but I don’t think that this is a real return.

Seth Frederiksen is a contributor to ComiConverse. Follow him on twitter: @senseiseth